Account Manager DACH

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

Do you want to work for some of the world’s leading audio brands? Become a part of the HARMAN team and get to work for our Sound United Business Unit. 

By joining HARMAN, you'll dive headfirst into the exciting world of headphones, portable speakers, party boxes and other audio technologies, and contribute to the success of Harman Lifestyle EMEA business. The consumer audio industry is fast paced, fun and dynamic and we’re looking for someone who is proactive, loves to work with a lot of different stakeholders from all over the globe and has creative ideas.

You will join our Sound United Business Unit with iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics, based in Germany in the position of: 

Account Manager DACH

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle:

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson and Revel.
• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development.
• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience.

About the Role:

As the German account manager, you manage the business with key customers Expert & Euronics: both on HQ level as towards the largest members. You will be responsible for the strategic plans, annual negotiations, direct contact with the largest members of these buying groups, and for building (marketing) activations plans in close collaboration with the German marketing manager. You’re accountable for the revenue and margins of these customers. In this role you’ll report to the European Sales director Electronic Super Stores.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the strategic business planning for both accounts: define the future strategy and the key actions needed to achieve this. Implement this at headquarters and member level with excellence. 
• Act as the point person on key account reviews, during top-to-top management meetings, budget reviews, promo planning and new product introductions at Expert and Euronics members.
• Continuously partner with colleagues in marketing, finance and operations to ensure that the product forecast is top notch, the marketing budget is spent in the most optimized way, and that finance is aware of promotional/conditions spent throughout the year.
• Support the Austrian distributor with forecasting, NPI knowledge, key company information to be successful with these two retailers (Expert/Euronics) in Austria as well.
• Work closely with the other key account manager (MediaMarkt) in Germany and with the regional sales team to achieve results and to share best practices.
• Unlock new business in Germany, potentially: airport/travel retail, loyalty programs, partnerships.

What You Need to Be Successful:

• A thorough understanding of large businesses in a Consumer Electronics, online/pure play, or fast-moving consumer goods environment.
• At least 5 years of experience with strategic key account management on headquarter level and/or with large members of key accounts. Including P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrable knowledge of building strategic key account plans and activating these with excellence.
• Proficiency in financial/budgetary oversight including working with price books and calculating promotional discounts.
• Well-versed in tracking results: target settings and measuring via data management + dashboarding (sell in, sell out, stock in trade, NPI tracker, margins).

Bonus Points if You Have:

• MBA, master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in strategic management, Commercial Economics, Marketing management or another Economics study at this level.
• Experience working in the DACH region and collaborating in an international matrix-business environment.
• Six Sigma, project management, LEAN training.
• Deep knowledge of the consumer electronics industry and the key stakeholders/retailers. 
• Working with dashboards, Power BI, GfK to track business results in a systematic matter.
• Experience with product life cycle management (e.g. NPI introductions, channelization, End of Life management etc).

What Makes You Eligible

• You’re native in German and fluent in English (speaking, presenting, writing).
• You are willing to travel to customers on a regular basis (each of the approx. 15 customers need to be visited at least 2 times per year). Occasionally you will be asked to join fairs/exhibitions/events during weekend hours. Travelling abroad can also be part of the role.
• Ideally, you live either in the Western part or central part of Germany, this enables you to travel to customer throughout the country. 
• Due to the nature of working with customers (retailers) and collaborating with colleagues in other time zones, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.

What We Offer:

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Company car or car-allowance.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class products (Denon, Bowers & Wilkins, Marantz, Polk, JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

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HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.